The economy grew at a 3.5 percent annual rate in the third quarter, the first time we've seen expansion in a year - and further proof that the recession is over. Well, technically. While the pace of growth was quite solid - the economy had contracted at annual rates of 0.7 percent and 6.4 percent in the second and first quarters - there's considerable debate on whether it reflects a real upturn or mostly the result of continued cost cutting for the sake of improved earnings. And, of course, none of this means much to job seekers because companies are not hiring in big numbers. From the NYT:

Robust government spending, exports, consumer spending -- buoyed by auto purchases Congress's now-expired cash-for-clunkers program -- and housing helped finally push the measure into positive territory. Spending on consumer durable goods like cars shot up an astounding 22.3 percent at an annual rate, compared to a decrease of 23.3 percent the previous quarter.